Effects of Immediate Dental Loading Implant Therapy on Electroencephalography (EEG) and Stress

Abstract

Purpose: Implant therapy restores masticatory function by restoring lost tooth morphology. It has been shown that mastication contributes not only to food intake and digestion, but also to the improvement of overall health. However, there have been no studies on the effects of implant treatment on electroencephalography (EEG). In this study, we investigated the effects of restoration of masticatory function by implant treatment on EEG and stress. Methods: 13 subjects (6 males, 7 females, age 64.1 ± 5.8 years) who had lost masticatory function due to tooth loss and 11 healthy subjects (6 males, 5 females, age 47.6 ± 2.4 years) as a control group. EEG ( θ , α , β waves, α / β ratio) and salivary cortisol were measured before immediate dental implant treatment and every month of treatment for 6 months. EEG ( θ , α , β waves, α / β ratio) was measured with a simple electroencephalograph miniature DAQ terminal (Intercross-410, Intercross Co., Ltd., Japan) in a resting closed-eye condition, and salivary cortisol was measured using an ELISA kit. Results: Compared to the control group, the appearance of θ and α waves were significantly decreased and β waves were increased, and α / β ratio was significantly decreased. The cortisol level of the subject group was significantly higher compared with the control group. With the course of implant treatment, the appearance of θ and α waves of the subject group increased, while β waves decreased. However, no significant difference was observed. The α / β ratio of the subject group increased from the first month after implant treatment and increased significantly after 5 and 6 months (0 vs. 5 months: p < 0.05, 0 vs. 6 months: p < 0.01). The cortisol levels in the subject group decreased from the first month after implant treatment and significantly decreased after 3 or 4 months (0 vs. 3 months: p < 0.05, 0 vs. 4 months: p < 0.01). These results suggest that tooth loss causes mental stress, which decreases brain stimulation and affects function. Restoration of masticatory function by implants was suggested to alleviate the effects on brain function and stress.